Although we try not to think about it, most of us have secret fears about serious illness for ourselves or our loved ones. Cancer is one of the things no one wants to face. Stories about overcoming cancer offer encouragement, information, and hope. They are definitely more than just anecdotes. The experiences of sufferers and those who care for them have forged a community spirit that connects people all over the world.

Cancers are serious, and not everyone survives. Many powerful testimonies tell of people who faced fear, pain, sorrow, and death in ways that no one who knew them will forget. The end of their lives might have been premature, but the impact of their character will endure. Stories about them have become national bestsellers and hit movies. Many foundations have been started in memory of loved ones whose family and friends want their lives to be remembered.

There are also many triumphant reports of remission and recovery. Doctors and family members say that having the desire to get better is very important, and hearing about survivors can motivate those who hope to regain their health. Knowing that recovery is possible can also make present suffering bearable.

Faith healing is well documented. There are many things doctors cannot explain in the annals of medicine. The Bible is full of healing episodes preformed by God (remember Hezikiah who was granted more years of life after falling sick and receiving word that he would die; he turned to God, who pitied his distress.) and during the earthly ministry of Jesus. The disciples of Jesus also healed many in His name. Elders of the church are instructed to lay hands on the sick and 'they will recover'.

You can see this in action on television. Evangelists pray and receive promises of healing which people in the audience can claim. Skeptical people like doctors and journalists testify to seeing things they can't explain any other way than with a miracle. When people pray, the sick feel better, stronger, and more hopeful, and they often respond better to treatment.

Survivors as well as those who have lost friends or family have made walks to raise funds and public awareness very popular and influential events. Media attention is high for the walkers, who wear pink and slogan T-shirts and carry flags and banners. Millions have pink ribbons on their cars and donate to research for the Cure. Look online for dates of these events, as well as healthy lifestyle tips and nutritious recipes.

Some of the shared experiences serve as testimonials for treatment centers and hospital programs. There are photo galleries online, with survivors classified by type of illness suffered. This is not as creepy as it might sound; many doctors and hospitals have volunteer programs in which former patients come to encourage people about to undergo the same procedures. There are support groups for caregivers, too, as well as grief counseling.

Hearing the accounts of those who have traveled this difficult path and seen the positives in the situation is truly valuable. People fear the unknown most of all, but these are no longer uncharted waters.